Lockheed establishes missile defense unit in Huntsville, AL

Lockheed Martin Corp. has established a new missile defense systems operating unit in Huntsville, Ala., to support a number of key programs based in the area and also pursue additional business opportunities.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. John W. Holly will lead the new unit, company officials said Aug. 25. He joined the company in January 2008 and most recently was vice president of Huntsville Operations for the company.

The new unit will be part of the company’s Strategic and Missile Defense Systems line of business based in Sunnyvale, Calif. That line of business provides capabilities in midcourse missile defense, strategic weapons system operations and sustainment, and performance-based logistics.

The unit is responsible for existing and future contracting efforts for the Missile Defense Agency’s Targets and Countermeasures Program and for North Alabama Operations overall, including the Battle Management Technology Center and Courtland production facility.

The new unit also supports several other key programs, including the tri-national Medium Extended Air Defense System, which is led by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, and the Land Environment Air Picture Provision air defense program, which is led by Lockheed Martin U.K.

In addition, the new unit will oversee the company’s pursuit of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Operations and Sustainment contract opportunity.

Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Md., ranks No. 1 on Washington Technology’s 2009 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.